Climbing exercise machine

ABSTRACT

A climbing exercise machine includes a beam supported on two columns supported on a base. Two handles are movably supported on the columns, respectively. The handles are movable in opposite directions. Two treads are movably supported on the columns, respectively. The treads are movable in opposite directions. An input axle is supported on the columns. The input axle is rotated as the handles and the treads are moved. A transmission case connects the input axle to an output axle. A disc is connected to the output axle. A frame is connected to the beam. A resistance element is supported on the frame. The resistance element includes a magnet. The resistance element is movable relative to the disc to adjust magnetism exerted on the disc by the magnets.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to an exercise machine and, more particularly, to a climbing exercise machine.

2. Related Prior Art

U.S. Pat. No. 5,679,100 discloses a conventional climbing exercise machine. The climbing exercise machine 10 includes a left handle 48, a left tread 44, a right handle 50 and a right tread 46. The right tread 46 is lifted with the right handle 50 when the left tread 44 and the left handle 48 are lowered. The left tread 44 is lifted with the left handle 48 when the right tread 46 and the right handle 50 are lowered. Therefore, an exercise moves his or her right hand and feet upward when he or she moves the left hand and feet downward, and vice versa to simulate rock-climbing in the wild.

This type of exercise with the climbing exercise machine 10 is caused by a transmission including sprockets 30, 84, 116, 120, 122 and 126 and chains 88, 118 and 124. The sprockets 80 and 84 support the chain 88, which is connected to the handles 48 and 50 for alternately moving the handles 48 and 50 to and fro. The sprocket 116 is co-axially connected to the sprocket 84 by an axle 86. The sprockets 116 and 120 support the chain 118. The sprocket 122 is coaxially connected to the sprocket 120 by an axle 121. The sprockets 122 and 126 support the chain 124, which is connected to the treads 44 and 46.

The exerciser expects to exercise the arms and legs with the climbing exercise machine 10 as the arms and legs encounter resistance caused by the exerciser's weight and an extra load on the climbing exercise machine 10. The diameter of the sprocket 116 is half the diameter of the sprocket 84. The diameter of the sprocket 122 is half the diameter of the sprocket 120. Thus, the sprockets 84, 116, 120 and 122 and the chain 118 are used as a reducer to render the stroke of the movement of the legs shorter than the stroke of the movement of the hands. However, the legs bear most of the resistance. Hence, with the climbing exercise machine 10, the exercise exercises the legs much more than the hands. Moreover, the climbing exercise machine 10 is not suitable for exercisers at all levels, particularly those who would like to conduct mild and/or intense training.

CN205730174 discloses a climbing exercise machine 100 including a belt 233 wound on two pulleys 236 and 239. An axle 234 supports two reels 235 and 237 and the pulley 236. The reel 235 reels a rope 231 to move a tread 211. The tread 211 is connected to an end of a sliding module 21. A handle 21 is connected to an opposite end of the sliding module 21. The reel 237 reels a rope 232 to move a tread 221. The tread 221 is connected to an end of a sliding module 22. A handle 222 is connected to an opposite end of the sliding module 22. The reels 235 and 237 rotate in opposite directions so that the tread 211 and the handle 212 are lifted when the tread 221 and the handle 222 are lowered, and vice versa.

An axle 238 supports the pulley 239 and a flywheel 24. In operation, the flywheel 24 rotates and intersects a magnetic field generated by a magnetic control module 25 so that the rotation of the flywheel 24 encounters resistance from the magnetic control module 25. However, the climbing exercise machine 100 is not suitable for exercisers at all levels, particularly those who would like to conduct mild and/or intense training.

The present invention is therefore intended to obviate or at least alleviate the problems encountered in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is the primary objective of the present invention to provide a climbing exercise machine suitable for exercisers at all levels.

To achieve the foregoing objectives, the climbing exercise machine includes a base, two columns, a beam, two handles, two treads, an input axle, an output axle, a transmission case, a disc, a frame and a resistance element. The beam is supported on the columns supported on the base. The handles are movably supported on the columns, respectively. The handles are movable in opposite directions. The treads are movably supported on the columns, respectively. The treads are movable in opposite directions. The input axle is supported on the columns. The input axle is rotated as the handles and the treads are moved. The transmission case connects the input axle to the output axle. The disc is connected to the output axle. The frame is connected to the beam. The resistance element is supported on the frame. The resistance element includes a magnet. The resistance element is movable relative to the disc to adjust magnetism exerted on the disc by the magnets.

Other objectives, advantages and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description referring to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described via detailed illustration of the preferred embodiment referring to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a climbing exercise machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the climbing exercise machine in another position than shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a maneuver mechanism of the climbing exercise machine shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the maneuver mechanism shown in FIG. 3 ; and

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial view of the maneuver mechanism shown in FIG. 3 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1 , a climbing exercise machine 10 includes a frame 11, two hand-elevating mechanisms 20 and 20 a, two foot-elevating mechanisms 30 and 30 a and a maneuver mechanism 40 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The frame 11 includes a base 12, two columns 13 and a beam 14.

The base 12 is a U-shaped element consisting of two lateral portions 121 and 123, an intermediate portion 122 and two arched portions 124. The intermediate portion 122 is formed between the lateral portions 121 and 123. Each of the arched portions 124 is formed between the intermediate portion 122 and one of the lateral portions 121 and 123.

Pads 15 are connected to a lower face of the base 12. In the preferred embodiment, two of the pads 15 are respectively connected to the arched portions 124, and two others of the pads 15 are respectively connected to the lateral portions 121 and 123. The pads 15 are used to facilitate the base 12 to stably stand on a floor.

Each of the columns 13 includes an upper end 131 and a lower end 132. The lower end 132 of each of the columns 13 is connected to an upper face of one of the lateral portions 121 and 123 of the base 12 so that the columns 13 are stationary relative to the base 12 and that the columns 13 extend parallel to each other. The lower end 132 of each of the columns 13 is located adjacent to the free end of the corresponding one of the lateral portions 121 and 123 of the base 12. Each of the columns 13 is a tubular element substantially in the form of an oval in a cross-sectional view. A plug (not numbered) is preferably fitted in the upper end 131 of each of the columns 13.

Preferably, the lower ends 132 of the columns 13 extend beyond the lower face of the base 12. However, the pads 15 keep the lower ends 132 of the columns 13 from the floor. Hence, the pads 15 bear the weight of the climbing exercise machine 10 when the climbing exercise machine 10 is not used. Hence, the pads 15 bear the weight of the climbing exercise machine 10 and the weight of an exerciser when the climbing exercise machine 10 is used.

Each of the columns 13 includes an internal side 133 opposite to an external side 134. The internal sides 133 of the columns 13 are directed to each other. Each of the columns 13 includes two slots 135 and 136 in the internal side 133. For each of the columns 13, the slot 135 is separated from the slot 136, with the slot 135 located adjacent to the upper end 131, with the slot 136 located adjacent to the lower end 132. For each of the columns 13, the slot 136 includes a lower end located higher than the upper face of the base 12.

The beam 14 includes two ends (not numbered). Each of the ends of the beam 14 is connected to the internal side 133 of one of the columns 13 by a joint assembly 142 (FIG. 3 ). Thus, the beam 14 interconnects the columns 13 via the joint assemblies 142 to increase the strength of the frame 11.

Each of the hand-elevating mechanism 20 and 20 a includes a portion movably inserted in the slot 135 of one of the columns 13. The hand-elevating mechanism 20 is lifted when the hand-elevating mechanism 20 a is lowered, and vice versa.

For the briefness and clarity of the following description, one of the columns 13 will be referred to as the first column 13 and the remaining one of the columns 13 will be referred to as the right column 13.

The hand-elevating mechanism 20 includes a sliding element 21, a primary handle 22 and a secondary handle 23. The sliding element 21 includes a first portion movable in the slot 135 of the left column 13 and a second portion extending from the slot 135 of the left column 13. An end of the primary handle 22 is pivotally connected to the second portion of the primary handle 22. Another end of the primary handle 22 is connected to an end of the secondary handle 23 so that the primary handle 22 and the secondary handle 23 together form an L-shaped structure.

Similarly, the hand-elevating mechanism 20 a includes a sliding element 21 a, a primary handle 22 a and a secondary handle 23 a. The sliding element 21 a includes a first portion movable in the slot 135 of the right column 13 and a second portion extending from the slot 135 of the right column 13. An end of the primary handle 22 is pivotally connected to the second portion of the primary handle 22. Another end of the primary handle 22 is connected to an end of the secondary handle 23 so that the primary handle 22 and the secondary handle 23 together form an L-shaped structure. The hand-elevating mechanism 20 a is a minor image of the hand-elevating mechanism 20.

In a collapsed position, the primary handle 22 or 22 a extends parallel to the internal side 133 of the left or right column 13. In an operative position, the primary handle 22 or 22 a extends perpendicular to the internal side 133 of the left or right column 13.

Each of the foot-elevating mechanism 30 and 30 a includes a portion movably inserted in the slot 136 of one of the columns 13. The foot-elevating mechanism 30 is lifted as the foot-elevating mechanism 30 a is lowered, and vice versa.

The foot-elevating mechanism 30 includes a sliding element 31, two belts 32 and a tread 33. An axle 34 is inserted in an end of the sliding element 31, a middle portion of the tread 33 and an end of each of the belts 32. Thus, the sliding element 31, the tread 33 and the belts 32 are connected to one another. Moreover, the belts 32 are allowed to pivot relative to the tread 33. A buckle (not numbered) is used to fasten the belts 32. Another end of the sliding element 31 is movable in the slot 136 of the left column 13.

Similarly, the foot-elevating mechanism 30 a includes a sliding element 31 a, two belts 32 a and a tread 33 a. An axle 34 a is inserted in an end of the sliding element 31 a, a middle portion of the tread 33 a and an end of each of the belts 32 a. Thus, the sliding element 31 a, the tread 33 a and the belts 32 a are connected to one another. Moreover, the belts 32 a are allowed to pivot relative to the tread 33 a. Another buckle (not numbered) is used to fasten the belts 32 a. Another end of the sliding element 31 a is movable in the slot 136 of the right column 13. The foot-elevating mechanism 30 a is a minor image of the foot-elevating mechanism 30.

It should be noted that a transmission (not shown) is inserted in each of the columns 13. The transmission in the left column 13 connects the sliding element 21 to the sliding element 31 so that they are movable together. The transmission in the right column 13 connects the sliding element 21 a to the sliding element 31 a so that they are movable together. Each of the transmissions includes sprockets and chain, gears, gears and racks, belts and pulleys, or any other proper elements. However, the transmissions will not be described in detail for not being the spirit of the present invention.

While using the climbing exercise machine 10, the exerciser holds the primary handles 22 and 22 a (or the secondary handles 23 and 23 a) with the hands and sets the feet on the treads 33 and 33 a. The belts 32 bind the left foot and the belts 32 a bind the right foot to avoid falling of the exerciser from the climbing exercise machine 10.

On the left column 13, the primary handle 22 is moved toward the beam 14 from the upper end 131 in a direction indicated by an arrow head 24 and the tread 33 is moved toward the beam 14 from the lower end 132 in an opposite direction indicated by another arrow head 35. That is, the primary handle 22 is moved toward the tread 33.

On the right column 13, the primary handle 22 a is moved toward the upper end 131 from the beam 14 in another direction indicated by another arrow head 24 a and the tread 33 a is moved toward the lower end 132 from the beam 14 in another direction indicated by another arrow head 35 a. That is, the primary handle 22 a is moved away from the tread 33 a.

Referring to FIG. 2 , on the left column 13, the primary handle 22 is moved toward the upper end 131 from the beam 14 in a direction indicated by an arrow head 24 and the tread 33 is moved toward the lower end 132 from the beam 14 in another direction indicated by another arrow head 35. That is, the primary handle 22 is moved away from the tread 33.

On the right column 13, the primary handle 22 a is moved toward the beam 14 from the upper end 131 in another direction indicated by an arrow head 24 a and the tread 33 a is moved toward the beam 14 from the lower end 132 in another direction indicated by another arrow head 35 a. That is, the primary handle 22 a is moved toward the tread 33 a.

As discussed above, the exerciser lowers the left hand and the right foot or lowers the right hand and the left foot. Thus, the exercise simulates rock-climbing in the wild to improve coordination of the limbs and effectively train his or her muscles.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the maneuver mechanism 40 includes a shell 41, a frame 42, a transmission case 43, a disc 44, a resistance element 45 and a knob 47. The shell 41 protects the other elements of the maneuver mechanism 40.

The frame 42 includes two lateral beams 421, two stems 422, an intermediate beam 423, two lateral tabs 424 and an axle 425. Each of the lateral beams 421 includes a front end connected to the beam 14 so that the lateral beams 421 extend parallel to each other. Each of the stems 422 includes a lower end connected to one of the lateral beams 421, near a rear end of the corresponding lateral beam 421. The intermediate beam 423 includes two ends connected to the stems 422. Each of the lateral tabs 424 is connected to one of the stems 422. The axle 425 includes two ends connected to the lateral tabs 424 so that the axle 425 extends parallel to the intermediate beam 423.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the frame 42 further includes a crossbar 426 and a vertical bar 427. The crossbar 426 includes two ends each of which is connected to a lower face of one of the lateral beams 421. The vertical bar 427 includes a lower end connected to an upper face of the crossbar 426.

The transmission case 43 includes a first shell 431 and a second shell 432. The first shell 431 is connected to one of the lateral beams 421 via metal plates (not numbered) so that the transmission case 43 is not movable relative to the beam 14.

Preferably, the transmission case 43 includes a terminal gear 436, a terminal gear 437, intermediate gears 433, axles 434 and bearings 435 in two groups. Each of the axles 434 is supported on one of the bearings 435 in the first group and one of the bearings 435 in the second group. Each of the intermediate gears 433 is supported on one of the axles 434. The gears 436, 433 and 437 are engaged with one another. It should be noted that the gears 436, 433 and 437 are in various sizes so that they cause reduction or increasing. The gear ratio of the gears 436, 433 and 437 is constant. It should also be noted that the axles 434 can be in various sizes. It should also be noted that the bearings 435 can be in various sizes.

The terminal gear 436 is supported on an axle 141. The terminal gear 437 is supported on another axle 438. The gear ratio of the gears 436, 433 and 437 in order is smaller than one. The gear ratio of the gears 437, 433 and 436 in order is larger than one.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3 , the axle 141 is connected to the columns 13 by the joint assemblies 142. The axle 141 extends parallel to the beam 14. At least one of the joint assemblies 142 is connected to the transmission in one of the columns 13. The transmissions rotate the axle 141. Thus, the input axle 141 is rotated when the primary handles 22 and 22 a and the treads 33 and 33 a are moved.

In another embodiment, the transmission case 43 includes belts wound on pulleys instead of the gears 436, 433 and 437. One of such pulleys is supported on the axle 141. Another one of such pulleys is supported on the axle 438. Such pulleys are in various sizes.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the axle 438 includes a section extending from the transmission case 43. This section of the axle 438 is connected to the disc 44. The disc 44 is a circular one. That is, each point in the periphery 441 of the disc 44 to the center of the disc 44 is identical to any other point in the periphery 441 of the disc 44.

The resistance element 45 includes two lugs 451 and at least two magnets 452. The lugs 451 are supported on the axle 425 so that the lugs 451 are rotatable on the axle 425. Each of the magnets 452 is attached to one of the lugs 451 so that the magnets 452 are located between the lugs 451. The disc 44 is located between the magnets 452 so that each of two lateral faces 442 of the disc 44 is directed to one of the magnets 452. The thickness of the disc 44 is smaller than the distance between the magnets 452 so that the disc 44 is not in contact with the magnets 452.

A torque spring 46 includes two terminal sections 461 and 462. The torque spring 46 is supported on the axle 425. The terminal section 461 hooks one of the two lugs 451. The terminal section 462 abuts against the intermediate beam 423. Thus, the torque spring 46 biases the resistance element 45 from the disc 44.

The resistance element 45 includes a puller 475. A rope 474 is tied to an end of the puller 475. A double reel 471 is supported on the vertical bar 427. The double reel 471 includes a larger portion 472 and a smaller portion 473. The larger portion 472 and the smaller portion 473 are coaxial portions of a single element. The double reel 471 can be replaced with two interconnected reels in another embodiment. Another end of the rope 474 is tied to the smaller portion 473 of the double reel 471 so that the smaller portion 473 of the double reel 471 reels the rope 474. An end of a rope 476 is tied to the larger portion 472 of the double reel 471 so that the larger portion 472 of the double reel 471 reels the rope 476.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5 , the rope 476 extends into the shell 41 via an arched tube 477. Another end of the rope 476 is tied to a single reel 478 so that the single reel 478 reels the rope 476. The single reel 478 is connected to a portion of the knob 47 that extends in the shell 41.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 , the knob 47 is operable to rotate the single reel 478. The single reel 478 reels the rope 476. The rope 476 rotates the double reel 471. The double reel 471 reels the rope 474. The rope 474 pulls the resistance element 45, against the torque spring 46. Thus, the distance of the magnets 452 from the disc 44 is adjusted, and so is the resistance against the movement of the handles 22 and 22 a and the treads 33 and 33 a.

As discussed above, the gear ratio of the transmission case 43 is constant when it is made. Therefore, the transmission case 43 cannot render the climbing exercise machine suitable for exercisers at all levels. With the use of the knob 47 to adjust the distance of the magnets 452, which are supported on the resistance element 45, from the disc 44, the resistance against the movement of the handles 22 and 22 a and the treads 33 and 33 a is adjustable to suit exercisers at all levels.

The maneuver mechanism 40 further includes a processor 48. The processor 48 is connected to the knob 47 or the single reel 478 in a wireless manner or through a wire. The knob 47 is operated to adjust the position of the resistance element 45, which supports the magnets 452, relative to the disc 44. The processor 48 detects the position of the resistance element 45 relative to the disc 44, converts it into the resistance against the movement of the handles 22 and 22 a and the foot-elevating mechanisms 30 and 30 a, and shows the resistance on a display (not numbered). The exerciser can read the resistance from the display.

The present invention has been described via the illustration of the preferred embodiment. Those skilled in the art can derive variations from the preferred embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the preferred embodiment shall not limit the scope of the present invention defined in the claims. 

1. A climbing exercise machine comprising: a base; two columns supported on the base; a beam supported on the columns; two handles movably supported on the columns, respectively, wherein the handles are movable in opposite directions; two treads movably supported on the columns, respectively, wherein the treads are movable in opposite directions; an input axle supported on the columns, wherein the input axle is rotated when the handles and the treads are moved; an output axle connected to the input axle; a transmission case for connecting the input axle to the output axle: a disc connected to the output axle; a frame connected to the beam; and a resistance element supported on the frame, wherein the resistance element comprises a magnet, wherein the resistance element is movable relative to the disc to adjust magnetism exerted on the disc by the magnets.
 2. The climbing exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the transmission case comprises an input gear supported on the input axle, an output gear supported on the output axle, and intermediate gears arranged between the input and output gears.
 3. The climbing exercise machine according to claim 1, further comprising an axle supported on the frame, wherein the resistance element comprises a lug supported on the axle, wherein the magnet is connected to the lug.
 4. The climbing exercise machine according to claim 3, further comprising a torque spring formed with two terminal sections in contact with the frame and the lug, respectively.
 5. The climbing exercise machine according to claim 1, further comprising a knob connected to the resistance element via at least one rope, wherein the knob is operable to move the resistance element relative to the disc.
 6. The climbing exercise machine according to claim 5, further comprising a processor electrically connected to the knob, wherein the processor detects the position of the resistance element relative to the disc via the knob and converts the position into an electronic signal.
 7. The climbing exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein on each of the columns, the handle and the tread are movable in opposite directions.
 8. A climbing exercise machine comprising: two columns; a beam supported on the columns; an input axle supported on the columns; an output axle; a transmission case for connecting the input axle to the output axle; a disc supported on the output axle; a resistance element comprising a magnet, wherein the resistance element is supported on the beam and movable relative to the disc; and a knob connected to the resistance element via at least one rope, wherein the knob is operable to move the resistance element relative to the disc.
 9. The climbing exercise machine according to claim 8, further comprising a processor electrically connected to the knob, wherein the processor detects the position of the resistance element relative to the disc via the knob and converts the position into an electronic signal.
 10. The climbing exercise machine according to claim 8, wherein on each of the columns, the handle and the tread are movable in opposite directions. 